Flaxseed oil in pregnancy: benefits and harms

While waiting for her baby, the expectant mother is responsible not only for herself, but also for the health of the baby she is carrying under her heart. It is very important during this period to monitor your diet, what medications you take, etc. Products in the diet of pregnant women should not only be fresh and high quality, but also healthy, and a balanced menu. Cereals, dairy products, vegetables and fruits, and meat should be on the table every day. It is recommended to eat seafood and greens.

Flaxseed oil is another valuable component during pregnancy. However, it can bring benefits and harms at the same time. It is necessary to understand in detail what is linseed oil, why it is useful for pregnant women and how to take it correctly.

Chemical composition

Flax seed oil contains in its composition a large number of substances, the effectiveness of which has been proven both in the medical and cosmetic field, and in the field of cooking. We are talking about omega acids, namely linoleic, oleic and linolenic acids. Also found here are saturated organic acids, among which stearic, palmitic and others. In addition, flax oil contains vitamins B-group, retinol, tocopherol. Of minerals this product contains calcium, potassium, magnesium and zinc. There are also phytosterols, lignans, lecithin, squalene and others.

Fact! The amount of linolenic acid in flax oil surpasses even the fish oil supplement known to all.

The caloric value of the product is quite high and equals 884 kcal. Moreover, 85 percent of the oil consists of fats, which should always be taken into account when preparing a dietary diet. Saturated fatty acids take part in the formation of useful cholesterol, which is responsible for the biochemical processes occurring in the human body, as well as for normal metabolism.

Can flax seed oil be used during pregnancy?

Flax seed oil has a complex effect on the body of the expectant mother and the future baby, activates the most important biological reactions, forms the immune system. During pregnancy, such a product should be present in the diet of a woman for a number of reasons. However, before including such a component in your menu, it is necessary to consult with your doctor. In the absence of contraindications, the oil can be used, as it helps to reduce acidity.

1. Such a product envelops the mucosa of the digestive tract, which allows you to reduce acidity, reduces the negative effects of spicy, salty and sour foods. When regularly used, flax seed extract helps to eliminate heartburn, nausea, cope with the symptoms of gastritis and colitis.
2. The composition of the plant component contains enzymes and other useful substances that facilitate the process of absorption of products, having a beneficial effect on the stomach and intestines.
3. As noted, flaxseed oil contains retinol and tocopherol. These vitamins are responsible for the elasticity and firmness of blood vessels, which makes them strong. The fatty acids found in it clean the blood vessels from cholesterol and atherosclerotic formations. As a result of strengthening the cardiovascular system, blood pressure is stabilized. After all, as we know, a significant proportion of pregnant girls are faced with hypertensive conditions while waiting for the baby.
4. Thanks to the positive effect on the circulatory system, it prevents the process of sticking together red blood cells, which is usually the cause of varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, embolism and other unpleasant consequences of gestation.
5. B vitamins and magnesium in the oil ensure the proper formation of the baby's NS and brain. As for the woman herself, these components are useful for her because they eliminate depression and irritability, increase concentration and improve memory.
6. A number of studies have shown that a product based on flax seeds reduces the risk of fetoplacental insufficiency, as well as the occurrence of CNS defects in the fetus.
7. Flaxseed oil activates the endocrine system. A positive effect on the thyroid and sex glands is noted. Also, regular use of the product improves the production of hormones that ensure the normal course of pregnancy.
8. Flaxseed oil is also known for improving the condition of the skin. Lots of vitamins and omega acids are the key to a healthy, firm dermis. The use of such a product is supposed to reduce the appearance of dermatitis, dryness and irritability. Topical application of this substance helps to increase the elasticity and tone of the epidermis. With regular moisturizing of the skin with linseed squeeze, the risk of stretch marks is reduced.

In the first trimester

In the early stages of pregnancy, if there are no contraindications for preventive purposes, you should take 2 tbsp of oil every day as a dietary supplement. However, caution should be exercised. This is due to the fact that the product improves intestinal peristalsis. And the intestines are known to be in close proximity to the uterus, so the contractility of the latter organ may also increase, which sometimes leads to a premature termination of pregnancy.

If the period of gestation proceeds without complications, the expectant mother feels good, there is no threat of miscarriage, linseed oil in small quantities can be safely consumed.

In the second trimester

In the middle of pregnancy, flax seed oil will only benefit. The product helps to reduce swelling, reduces the likelihood of varicose veins, eliminates constipation. It is impossible not to note the beneficial effect of the product on the skin. With internal and external application of this oil, the dermis becomes firm, smooth and taut.

Before introducing such a vegetable ingredient in the diet of a pregnant woman, it is necessary to pay a visit to the doctor, undergo a proper examination and determine whether there are any contraindications to the use of flax oil.

In the third trimester

In the late term of carrying a baby, you need to be cautious about the use of flax seed oil. This is due to the fact that the product may cause premature births. As for external use, it is acceptable. Regular use of such a component improves the condition of the skin, hair and nails. Also, this product can be rubbed into the abdomen, breasts. This is necessary to prevent the appearance of stretch marks. Moreover, the oil effectively eliminates bruises and bruises.

In the third trimester, it is allowed to use 1 tsp of the product as a salad dressing. Such a supplement is also suitable for mixing with cottage cheese.

Approximately two weeks before you expect to give birth, it is recommended that you warm up a little linseed oil and use it to massage your perineum. Experts assure that this helps to increase elasticity and ensures an easier birth.

How to use linseed oil correctly

In order for this product to be useful for the body of a pregnant girl, it should be taken correctly. First of all, you need to remember that you need to choose oil of first extraction with a good shelf life. Quality raw materials are stored in a container of dark glass. Before buying it is important to study the composition on the label, because often unscrupulous manufacturers mix linseed oil with cheap varieties, which are reported only in small print on the package.

As a prevention of various diseases and to improve the overall vitality of the body, the oil should simply be mixed with food. It should be remembered that frying on such a product is not allowed, otherwise it begins to produce carcinogenic substances.

Flaxseed oil is excellent for salad dressing. Some people are confused by the special flavor of the product. In that case, you can mix it with mustard and a little vinegar or other kinds of oil. This will help give the dressing an unusual, spicy flavor.

For therapeutic purposes, flax seed oil is taken half an hour before a meal. After some time, a person has the urge to defecation, hence, the product is an excellent remedy for constipation, which can act within an hour of taking it. If linseed oil is consumed for the first time, you should start with small portions to see how the body reacts.

How much you can eat per day

Gynecologists recommend the use of linseed oil in the form of a dietary supplement, as well as to use as a topical cosmetic. This product can be added to homemade shampoo and various hair masks, rubbed into the nail plate, enriched in creams and skin serums. To protect the dermis from stretch marks, you need to use the oil to rub on vulnerable areas, namely the skin in the chest and abdomen. This should be done twice a day.

You should not consume more than 2 tablespoons of flax oil during the whole day to improve your health. This product is best absorbed if eaten on an empty stomach immediately after waking up. After 30 minutes you can have breakfast. Drink this remedy with natural juice or water without gas. The course of treatment should continue for a month, after which you should take a break for two weeks. If the remedy is taken in the form of capsules, it is enough 2 pieces per day, that is, in the morning and in the evening.

Flaxseed oil can be found in large supermarkets, as well as ordered from trusted suppliers over the Internet. But it should be done only after providing all the quality certificates for these products. Most expectant mothers buy such a healing remedy in pharmacies. Here you can choose the product in sealed glass bottles, as well as in the form of capsules.

Can you use it at night and on an empty stomach?

As already mentioned, the main method of using flax oil is 1 tsp. on an empty stomach half an hour before a meal. Such a procedure triggers all the processes in the human body. People who consume this product daily drink the same amount in the evening, before going to bed.

Some expectant mothers may find flax seed oil unpleasant. In addition, not all pregnant women can eat salads dressed with it with appetite. In this case, a great solution to this problem is to buy flaxseed oil in capsules. The dosage of this drug is determined individually by the doctor, but most often 1-2 capsules a day.

If the oil does not lead to gagging, it is recommended to buy a small bottle of the natural product and use it in its pure form. You can also add it to various dishes, such as salads, snacks, casseroles, porridges.

As for the application of linseed oil just before going to bed, in this case the healing effect of this product will concern the activity of the intestines. Using the product at night will help to solve the problem of constipation and restore regular morning stools. It is also believed that a vegetable remedy based on flax seeds before going to bed should be consumed by those who want to get rid of extra pounds. So, during sleep, when a person is resting, the useful components contained in the cold-pressed oil lead to an active breakdown of fats, allow to become slimmer and get rid of cellulite.

Rules for choosing and storing linseed oil

To choose high-quality linseed oil, you need to pay attention to some points before buying.

1. So, good oil has a brown-golden or golden color. It depends on the method of production and the degree of purification of the product. The content of the container should not have turbid impurities, i.e. be as transparent as possible.
2. The smell of quality oil is quite specific, but pleasant. The main criterion for choosing linseed oil is the absence of a bitter taste. Bitterness is the first sign that the raw material for the oil was of poor quality or the solution has already expired.
3. The bottle is made of dark and thick glass. The volume of the glassware should not be more than 300 ml.
4. Do not use flax seed oil that has been stored at temperatures above 20 degrees or in the sun, as light and high temperature cause oxidation, which results in the formation of substances hazardous to health.
5. For internal use, as well as for external use, it is best to buy oil, obtained by cold pressing. Such processing means that the product retains the maximum number of valuable components and minerals.

Linseed oil is stored in the refrigerator. If you notice the slightest bitterness, you should get rid of it right away.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to test the oil for taste in a store. Therefore, to protect yourself and reinsure yourself, you can buy such oil in capsules at the pharmacy.

The benefits of flax oil during pregnancy

Even a healthy woman sometimes it is not easy to carry a healthy baby. From the first months, the future mother faces a lot of troubles, such as toxemia, hormonal malfunctions, edema, constipation, reduced protective functions of the body, exacerbation of chronic diseases. Some of these problems can be solved with the help of flax oil.

Flax is an annual plant whose stems are used to make fiber. It is used to manufacture fabric, embroidered clothing. This plant contains fats, fatty acids, various minerals and vitamins, phytosterols, enzymes, lecithin and acids of organic origin. The rich composition of this oil makes it not just a tasty dressing for vegetable salads, but also a useful tool that will help to solve a number of problems.

1. So, already mentioned above, that drinking linseed oil on an empty stomach helps to cope with even the most severe constipation. Continuous use helps to cleanse the body of harmful cholesterol, eliminate cholesterol plaques. This means that the future baby gets more oxygen, which is a powerful protection against hypoxia.
2. Polyunsaturated acids affect the metabolic processes in the body, preventing the appearance of fatty deposits.
3. When toxicity occurs, most women can not eat normally, avitaminosis is observed, which negatively affects the health and appearance of the pregnant woman. It is enough to drink one spoonful of such a healing solution per day to replenish the daily requirement for a number of valuable substances.
4. Omega acids found in flax oil can penetrate through the placental bloodstream, ensuring healthy brain formation of the fetus and its intellectual development.
5. In the third trimester, the product helps increase tissue elasticity, resulting in a more efficient and painless opening of the cervix.
6. Flaxseed oil will help in the fight against heartburn, which is often experienced by women in the late term.
7. Flax oil can be used as a medicine against parasites in the body. During gestation it is especially relevant, because drug treatment is undesirable, sometimes even dangerous.
8. Often this remedy is used externally to prevent the appearance of stretch marks. This is due to the fact that the oil contains a large amount of vitamin E, which gives the skin elasticity and softness. With regular use, the skin is moisturized, perfectly stretched and not torn. At the same time, it does not form injuries in the lower layers of the epidermis.
9. In addition, linseed oil contains many B vitamins. These substances strengthen the coating of nerve fibers, which helps to cope with irritability and anxiety, get rid of stress and insomnia. This is especially important for pregnant women who continue to work. Flax oil is excellent for treating toxicosis, as it cleanses the liver and eliminates intoxication.
10. The product helps to bind and remove toxic substances, toxins and allergens from the body.

Flaxseed oil in cosmetology

Oil obtained from flax seeds is a product that is of great benefit to the human body. The production of such a solution is carried out by natural method, that is, by cold pressing. The unique properties of this composition allow its use in the medical field, as well as in other areas of life. A special contribution was made to the field of cosmetology.

It should be noted that unrefined oil is more effective. So, the product that has undergone a purification procedure, loses a number of important elements and is not useful if used for cosmetological purposes. Experts recommend using linseed oil if the skin is dry, has lost its elasticity and is flaky. The unique properties of this natural product are the most useful precisely for the skin, but such a raw material can perfectly cope with hair and nails.

Before using the oil as a cosmetic, it is recommended to study some rules, with the observance of which the effectiveness of the finished composition increases.

To begin with, it is necessary to take into account that before applying a cosmetic obtained from flax oil, the skin must be prepared. That is, it must be cleaned of makeup and other impurities. The remedy should be used immediately after preparation, it should not be stored, otherwise the useful substances will evaporate. The prepared mixture should be applied in a bottom-up direction. During such procedures, it is recommended to relax as much as possible.

Do not keep the mask on the skin longer than specified in the recipe. It is better to remove the remains of the composition with a soft sponge, then wash your face with plenty of water.

With linseed oil you can get a mask for dry skin. Such a product helps to fight dry skin. The main actions of the product are deep moisturizing and nourishing. To prepare the mask, you will need to combine a little oil and 2 tablespoons of fresh sour cream. Here you will also need to add a cucumber, which is crushed to a mushy consistency. All the ingredients should be thoroughly mixed, the ready mask should be applied to the skin with a cosmetic brush and kept for a quarter of an hour.

The oil is also suitable for the preparation of a product used for skin prone to the appearance of oily shine. In this case you will need cottage cheese. This product should have a low percentage of fat content. 1 tbsp. of this raw material will need to be mixed with 2 tsp. linseed oil. If desired, you can add to the resulting mixture a small amount of sour cream and lightly beaten egg white. The resulting composition is applied to the problem skin for 15 minutes.

To prepare a cleansing mask, take 3 tsp. of fresh kefir and combine with 2 tsp. of lemon juice. After that, add a little flax seed oil. This mixture should be applied to the face and leave for 25 minutes. For maximum effect, it is recommended to prepare such a mask twice a week. It helps to clean the skin from impurities and various harmful elements.

Can linseed oil harm the expectant mother?

The body of a pregnant woman almost always perfectly accepts vegetable oils, but there is still one "but". We are talking about the abuse of the product and prolonged use. This can provoke the appearance of side effects, which are dangerous for the future mother and her baby. Among these undesirable effects, the most common is an increase in uterine tone, which increases the likelihood of preterm labor. Also uncontrolled use of the product can lead to the development of an allergic reaction to vegetable oils. In addition, linseed oil can increase blood clotting, as a result of which the blood thickens and small clots appear.

It should also be noted that the product is able to lower blood pressure, which is undesirable for women suffering from hypotension.

The digestive tract may also develop intolerance to the product. This usually manifests as flatulence, bloating, and prolonged diarrhea. There may be changes in the hormonal background.

There are also some contraindications to the use of flax oil. Here we should mention diseases of the gallbladder, thyroid, pancreas. In the presence of urolithiasis and kidney stones, hormonal disorders, individual intolerance, uterine hypertonicity, complications of pregnancy and other pathologies should also abandon this plant product.

Undoubtedly, linseed oil is a useful component that can be used even during pregnancy, but it also has certain contraindications. Therefore, before using such a composition on a regular basis, you should definitely consult your doctor.